B.C. expanding pharmacy treatment with online bookings

Jun 28, 2023 | 12:45 PM

British Columbians have been able to seek treatment and prescriptions for minor ailments and contraceptives at community pharmacies for about a month.

Since that program launched June 1, over 25,000 patients with minor ailments ranging from urinary tract infections, to allergies, to cold sores, to sprains and strains, to shingles have sought treatment at their local pharmacies.

At a news conference in Vancouver Wednesday, June 28, Premier David Eby said the program is being expanded to serve more people.

“Starting tomorrow (June 29) people will be able to book an appointment online to see a pharmacist,” Eby stated.

“This makes British Columbia the first province in Canada to offer a province-wide, online booking tool.”

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Health Minister Adrian Dix said the booking system, which will launch at 7 a.m. June 29, will be similar to the Get Vaccinated tool.

“Through the system, people will be able to search for available appointment times at nearby pharmacies based on their minor ailment or contraceptive needs and book a time and location of their choice,” Dix explained.

“Should they choose to do so, people can also continue to access the service by calling, visiting a pharmacy to book an appointment, or by walk-in without an appointment, understanding that they may not always be available for a pharmacist to see you.”

Dix added the new service will “help more people get the care they need faster and reduce pressure across the health care system.”

The minister noted approximately 600 pharmacies across the province have already signed on to the online booking service, but expects more will join in the near future.

Along with treating 21 specific minor ailments, pharmacists in B.C. can provide contraceptives to people, with more details here.

by Liam Verster

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